The crazy world of futbol Sud-Americana, in association with Premier Sports TV

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Luxemburgo in at Atlético-MG, Keirrison unsettled

After starting the year with Palmeiras before moving to Santos in mid season former Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been announced as the new coach of Atlético Miniero by the club website. Luxemburgo's tenure at Palmeiras came to an end after he was forced to sell star striker Keirrison to Barcelona against his will.

Luxemburgo left Santos when presidennt Marcelo Teixeira lost this position in the club elections last weekend. Writing on his blog, Luxemburgo expressed his happiness at returning to Belo Horizonte where he steered Atlético's bitter rival Cruzeiro to the title in 2003.

No other coach has won as many titles as Luxemburgo, his tally currently stands at 5. He was victorious with with Palmeiras in 1992 and 1993, Corinthians in 1998 and Santos in 2004 plus Cruzeiro in 2003.

Keirrison meanwhile isn't having the best of times since his move to Europe. Immediately farmed out by Barcelona to SL Benfica in Portugal, he has struggled to get much game time at the Estadio da Luz after finding himself behind Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo for a place in the starting side. Keirrison has made his frustrations known to his parent club and Barcelona are now looking at cancelling his loan move in January whilst Liverpool and Vasco da Gama are ready to pounce to sign the striker.

Meanwhile back in Brazil, Diego Souza of Palmeiras has been named as the player of the year in Brazil for 2009 ahead of Flamengo's Adriano and Dejan Petkovic. There was better news for Flamengo as Andrade was named Coach of the year.